Forum encourages women to take the lead By James Fuller
Cheryle Robinson Jackson ran for U.S. Senate in 2010 and knew her gender made an already difficult race even harder for her. She knew it not only because of her life experiences, but because of a speaking engagement she'd once had at the Chicago Finance Exchange.

District U-46 says goodbye to assistant superintendent By Hailey Czarnecki
Elgin Area School District U-46 said goodbye this week to Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Greg Walker. He held the job for the past three years and will start his new job as regional vice president for the College Board's Midwest regional office July 16. "He did an incredible job here at U-46," U-46 Chief of Staff Tony Sanders said.

Images: Ron Santo celebration in Schaumburg Daily Herald subscribers were treated to an amazing afternoon in honor of Cubs ledgend Ron Santo, at the Drink nightclub in Schaumburg. The event is one in a series of Subscriber Total Access events which puts subscribers face-to-face with the columnists, writers, photographers and newsmakers they read about every day.

This old Cub still has pull with fans, friendsBy Mike Spellman
There was a lot of love gathered in Schaumburg Thursday as fans and friends gathered at a Daily Herald event to pay tribute to former Cubs star and broadcaster Ron Santo just 10 days away from his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The all-star lineup of panelists shared classic stories and highlights of Santo's legendary careers as a standout third baseman, a local businessman...

Spirited crowd talks pension reform in Arlington Heights By Kimberly Pohl
Americans for Prosperity is holding a series of town-hall meetings urging quick and meaningful pension reform. "It costs our state $12.6 million a day every day that we don't reform pensions, and yet our legislators broke for summer break," Illinois State Director David From said Thursday before a spirited crowd of more than 50 people at Arlington Heights village hall. "They're on summer...

Glen Ellyn WWII veteran, 93, pioneers new heart surgeryBy Justin Kmitch
A 93-year-old Glen Ellyn man was the first heart patient in the West, Southwest and Northwest suburbs to undergo a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for people with severe aortic stenosis, who because of their age, health, cannot have an open heart procedure to replace the valve. Anthony "Duff:" Huffnagel was given just six months to a year to live before the surgery. Today, doctors told him...

Island Lake fast-tracks new village hall
By Jennifer EarlPlans for Island Lake's new village hall and police station are underway, and the construction of the new building may take shorter than officials planned. The new facility, which will be at Water Tower Park, is predicted to take about a year.

District 214 OKs code of conduct for coaches, advisers
By Melissa SilverbergStarting this fall, all coaches and club advisers in Northwest Suburban High School District 214 must sign and adhere to a code of conduct outlining appropriate behavior standards, the school board decided on Thursday. "We hear every day about children bullying other children, but what about when it's the coaches or adviser bullying our children?" an Arlington Heights parent said.

Fire displaces Aurora residents
By Paul BiascoA fire in the back of an Aurora duplex Thursday night, has forced two residents from the home, officials said. The flames were mainly contained to the rear siding of the home, but the first floor unit suffered water damaged, officials said.

Rolling Meadows man dies in fiery crash on Route 53 near Schaumburg By Lee Filas and Paul Biasco
A 28-year-old Rolling Meadows man has been identified as the victim of a fiery crash on Route 53 near Schaumburg Thursday morning. Police said Jose J. Diaz-Rendon was the lone occupant of the vehicle when it struck a median seperating the local and express lanes head-on.

Volunteers find rare blue-colored frog in Downers Grove-area preserve By Elisabeth Mistretta
Jerry and Jody Zamirowski of Glen Ellyn have observed some beautiful sites in the decades they've spent volunteering to monitor animals for agencies like the DuPage County Forest Preserve and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. But Jerry knew he found something amazing when he spied a bullfrog at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn -- and the frog was bright blue. "It's almost like finding a...

Arlington Hts. dog park may depend on referendumBy David ConwayThe Arlington Heights Park District has narrowed the potential sites for a dog park to three, but nothing can happen without a tax increase getting passed. Residents said they don't need a Taj Mahal. "It doesn't need to be an extravagant luxury park," said one resident. "It just needs a fence, water and some grass for the dogs to run on."

Industrial printer sparks Lake Zurich fire By Paul Biasco
The owner of a Lake Zurich company was able to escape his business as it filled with smoke due to a machine fire Thursday afternoon, officials said. Fire officials said an industrial printer inside the business malfunctioned at about 3:35 p.m. and caught fire, but the flames were contained by a sprinkler system.

Prison for man who sold ecstasy pills in Schaumburg
By Barbara VitelloA 30-year-old Lincolnwood man who was arrested in March near the Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg pleaded guilty Thursday to possession of ecstacy with intent to distribute, a class X felony. In exchange for the plea a Cook County judge sentenced Scott Soloman to 10 years in prison.

16-year-old missing from Aurora
Daily Herald reportA 16-year-old girl has been missing from Aurora more than a month, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Lombard Town Centre hosts wine, beer tasting
Daily Herald reportLombard Town Centre's first wine and craft beer tasting event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, 70 Yorktown Center, with VIP ticketholders allowed to enter at 6 p.m.

New Bartlett water playground opens
Submitted by the Bartlett Park DistrictThe Bartlett Aquatic Center has opened a new spray playground that features a tipping bucket that dumps water on swimmers, two water slides and numerous spraying features.

New downtown leader in Highland Park
Daily Herald reportFolk musician Lee Murdock will explore the history of the War of 1812 through story and song at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25.

New downtown leader in Highland Park
Daily Herald reportJessica Weglarz recently was named executive director of the Downtown Highland Park Alliance. In that position the native of Peoria will work with business owners and community members to enhance the economic vitality of the downtown, oversee operations, develop and administer annual plans and budgets and cultivate partnerships to further the work of the group.

Gurnee recycling for rewards may start in September By Bob Susnjara
Preparations are under way to launch an initiative in Gurnee affording residents a chance to receive discounts on goods and services in exchange for recycling. "Our goal is to reward Gurnee's residents for the good job they've been doing recycling and we believe this incentive-based program can help us achieve even greater rates of recycling," Mayor Kristina Kovarik said.

Two charged in Glendale Heights home invasion, robbery
By Josh StockingerA judge set bail at $500,000 Thursday for two men charged with invading a Glendale Heights apartment and robbing two people at gunpoint. Juwan Franklin, 21, and William B. Lewis, 19, appeared in DuPage County bond court on charges of armed robbery and home invasion.

Libertarian’s signatures challenged in 33rd Senate race
By Tara García MathewsonLibertarian candidate Doug Marks, who is vying for the 33rd Senate District seat against Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay, is facing a petition challenge that could keep him off the November ballot.

Coroner’s office can’t explain why Crystal Lake teen drowned
By Lenore T. AdkinsAn official with the McHenry County Coroner's Office said Thursday that it cannot prove whether a teenager had a seizure before he drowned in a portion of the Fox River near Crystal Lake. "Whatever caused him to go into the water might be unexplainable, but his cause of death will definitely be as a result of a drowning," Deputy Coroner Curt Bradshaw said.

Fox Valley police report
Sidney Moore, 37, of the 300 block of Four Winds Way, Carpentersville, was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver 31.67 grams of cocaine Tuesday, according to police reports. Police say the street value of the drugs was $1,100. Both charges are felonies and could result in prison time up to 30 years. Bail was set at $150,000, of which Moore must pay 10 percent...

Libertyville grad dreamed of aviation career
By Mick ZawislakLibertyville High School graduate Matthew Coleman is being remembered as a caring guy who worked hard to pursue his dream. Coleman, 26, was killed early Monday in a single vehicle crash in Murphysboro near Southern Illinois University, where he was a senior with a double major in aviation management and aviation technologies.

Tri-Cities police reports
Sharon R. Corgiat of Geneva was charged with retail theft at 12:34 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Batavia police report. She is accused of taking $12 worth of merchandise from Menards, 300 N. Randall Road.

Are you 1 in 8 who deserves to get money back?By Burt ConstableFor every eight people who read this column, one of them should get some money out of it. That's how many people are owed money or other property held by the state, Treasurer Dan Rutherford said. The state's I-Cash program is trying to return $1.5 billion in cash plus contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes to the rightful owners and heirs.

Contests galore at Batavia’s Windmill City Festival
Daily Herald staff reportsIf you have a competitive spirit, Batavia's Windmill City Festival along the Riverwalk is the place to be this weekend. The three-day festival features several contests, and visitors of all ages can join in the fun — even your furry friends. Saturday will feature the pet parade at 10 a.m. with prizes for Best Trick, Fastest Wagging Tail, Most Spots, Longest Ears, Most Unusual Pet, Best...

A year later, third suspect nabbed in Lombard home invasion
By Josh StockingerA man accused of restraining two adults and a 15-month-old boy during a home invasion in Lombard more than a year ago has been taken into custody and is being held on $200,000 bail. David Johnson, 31, of the 3500 block of Adams Street in Bellwood, was the third person arrested in connection with the March 2011 robbery on the 100 block of West St. Charles Road.

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Fox River Grove By Lee Filas
McHenry County Department of Health are reporting that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Fox River Grove have tested positive for West Nile virus. According to a news release early Thursday, the McHenry County Department of Health one batch of mosquitoes out of 122 tested came back positive for West Nile.

Vote now: Prospect Hts. park in line to win grant money By Anna Boratyn
Lions Park in Prospect Heights is trying to win grant money from Coca-Cola, but they need your help to do it. The contest, "America's Favorite Park," ends Sunday, and Lions Park is inching up iun the standings, trying to make the top 25. Here's how to vote.

Naperville campers learn value of service to community By Annalisa Rodriguez
Their shirts read "Live," "Inspire," "Dream" and "Believe," and that's just what Watch My Feet tries to help kids do. The program was started six years ago by a group of students who realized they had performance skills and wanted to use them to mentor kids on topics that affect them. The wrapped up activities this week at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville.

Matriarch of one of Wheeling’s biggest farms has died By Eileen O. Daday
Erna Koeppen, one of Wheeling's last farming pioneers, died July 5 at age 90. "She was truly a farm wife," says her grandson, Greg Koeppen, a former Prospect Heights city councilman. "She never learned to drive, but was happiest working on the farm and making her family happy."

Tax bills troubling for many seniorsBy Jake Griffin
Hundreds of suburban Cook County homeowners — mostly senior citizens — have been flooding the county assessor's office at the Rolling Meadows courthouse in recent weeks to file for adjustments to their property tax bills.

Antioch sports complex to get restrooms By Taylor Goldenstein
Antioch Township is close to wrapping up work on its portion of the Tim Osmond Sports Complex. By fall, township supervisor Steve Smouse said, officials should be finished installing a storage and restroom building, the final part of the project.

Stevenson High School board member Lyman resigns By Mick Zawislak
Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 board member Lori Lyman has resigned after nearly four years on the board. As a volunteer and then school board member, the Long Grove resident and landscape architect, was all in when it came to Lincolnshire school. She designed the Garden of Peace, Hope and Rembrance at the Lincolnshire school.

Study will say whether parking sufficient for Riverside Plaza
By Elena FerrarinAlgonquin's planning and zoning commission postponed making a decision on a plan to convert Riverside Plaza into apartments in order to settle questions about parking, officials said. Earlier this week, John Breugelmans, principal of Riverside Plaza LCC of North Barrington, presented to the commission his plan to change the partially-built development at Routes 31 and 62 from a 54-unit condo...

U-46 kids create an opera of their own By Jamie Greco
Music has been a prominent force in 12-year-old Cesar Mendez's life. But he never thought he'd be involved in the writing and producing of an original opera. "Destined Lives," a work created and produced entirely by 10- to 13-year-old students involved in Hamilton Wings' SCORE program, which includes nine elementary and middle schools in Elgin Area School District U-46.

‘Destined Lives’ cast
Cast of "Destined Lives," an original opera created and produced entirely by 10 to 13-year-old students involved in Hamilton Wings' SCORE

Bill helps minority, women-owned businessesAssociated Press
Minority and women-owned businesses are getting some help in Cook County.On Wednesday, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a law that will allow the county's forest preserve district to take into account whether businesses are owned by women or minorities when they are awarding bids for construction and purchasing contracts.

Gail Borden Library automatic sorter up and running
By Tara García MathewsonWhether a book is returned from the outside drive-through lane at Gail Borden Public Library or the indoor book drop, it's path to the shelves is now along a high-tech conveyor belt. The automatic sorter, which has been running smoothly for about two weeks now, will save money and staff time and bring Gail Borden to the next level, technologically.

Chicago's Lyric Opera awarded $2M grantssociated Press
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has been awarded a $2 million grant to expand its community engagement and to support the world premiere of an opera based on a popular novel. The Lyric's general director Anthony Freud announced the grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation on Wednesday.

W.Va. sheriff says woman tortured; husband charged
Associated PressLEROY, W.Va. — A West Virginia man is accused of keeping his wife captive and torturing her for the better part of a decade — beating and burning her and even leaving her shackled during childbirth.Peter Lizon, 37, was in jail Wednesday on $300,000 bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Friday on a malicious wounding charge, authorities said.

D.C. mayor’s campaign hid poll workers’ pay
Associated PressWASHINGTON — District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray’s 2010 campaign routinely paid day laborers $100 in cash — twice the legal limit — to tout Gray outside polling places, and the payments were later referred to on campaign finance reports as “consulting fees” paid to campaign staff members and volunteers, according to a review by The Associated Press.

Team looking for Ohio train crash cause eyes rails
Associated PressCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Investigators say a train that partly derailed and exploded in Columbus, Ohio, was traveling below the speed limit before the crash, and its operators noticed no problems with the track as they approached the curve where it happened.

Research murky on danger of Asian carp invasion Associated PressAs scientists aboard a research boat activate an electric current, the calm Illinois River transforms into a roiling, silvery mass. Asian carp by the dozen hurtle from the water as if shot from a gun, soaring in graceful arcs before plunging beneath the surface with splashes resembling tiny geysers.

Bloomington opens 'Little Free Library' Associated PressA national phenomenon that has brought free book exchanges to countless communities has made its way to Bloomington.A Little Free Library, with about eight children's books and 10 adult books, stands tall near the sidewalk outside Clare House, 703 E. Washington St. The books are free to anyone who wants to read them.

9 dead, 11 hurt, 4 missing in Mont Blanc avalanche
Associated PressPARIS — A slab of ice broke off Thursday high in the French Alps, sparking an avalanche that swept nine Europeans to their deaths as they tried to climb Mont Blanc, authorities said. Eleven other climbers were hospitalized and at least four are still unaccounted for.

US, China square off over South China Sea
Associated PressPHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The Obama administration pressed Beijing on Thursday to accept a code of conduct for resolving territorial disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea, a difficult U.S. mediation effort that has faced resistance from the communist government — although it has endeared the U.S. to once-hostile countries in Southeast Asia.

Cheney lends a bit of his GOP star power to Romney
Associated PressJACKSON, Wyo. — Former Vice President Dick Cheney is using his popularity with Republican conservatives to give a boost to Mitt Romney, hosting a fundraiser for the party’s likely nominee at a mountain valley resort as well as a private dinner at his Wyoming home.

FAMU still dealing with fallout from hazing death
Associated PressTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The fallout from the hazing death of a Florida A&M University drum major appears unlikely to end soon.University leaders will hold an emergency meeting next week to start the search for a new president after James Ammons, the president since 2007, abruptly resigned Wednesday.

Wisconsin mink production up 19 percent last year
Associated PressWisconsin continues to lead the nation in the production of mink pelts, accounting for one in three U.S. pelts last year.The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Wisconsin produced 1.1 million mink pelts last year. That was up 19 percent from the previous year.

Jackson’s ‘mood disorder’ raising more questions?
Associated PressU.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s disclosure that he is suffering from a "mood disorder" still leaves many questions about his secretive medical leave and whether the Illinois congressman has satisfied mounting calls to be more open about his monthlong absence.

26 Illinois counties hit by drought can get aid
Associated PressFarmers in 26 counties in southern Illinois can apply for drought-related disaster relief. Under new rules announced Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, those counties automatically qualify for a disaster designation. No formal declaration is necessary.

Possible ruling on terrorist suspect’s release
Associated PressA federal judge in Chicago could announce her ruling on a terrorist suspect's request to go live with his cousin while awaiting his September trial. A Thursday status hearing comes a month after 29-year-old Shaker Masri (SHOCK'-uhr MAHZ'-ree) asked Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman to release him.

Island Lake woman takes part in Ms. Wheelchair Illinois America pageant By Abby Scalf
Jill Wesselhoff, 31 of Island Lake proudly earned the title as first runner-up at the second annual Ms. Wheelchair Illinois America competition, where Wesselhoff said contestants are breaking the misconception of what a beauty pageant stands for. "It doesn't have to be about your looks or what you are wearing. It is about the person. Just because we have wheels doesn't mean we are any less a part...

Champion Hoffman figure skater, 12, eyes Olympics By Kimberly Pohl and Elena FerrarinEven in the swarm of skaters buzzing by each other during the final minutes of an open-ice session, Tomoki Hiwatashi stands out. Given his unadulterated joy and unmatched skill, it's no wonder the spirited Hoffman Estates 12-year-old already is a two-time national figure skating champion.

Drummer Paul Wertico headlines Jazz in Glen Ellyn
By Sara HookerDrummer Paul Wertico can make jazz out of anything — even the kitchen sink. He's bringing his Grammy-winning beats to Jazz in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, July 14, as the evening's headliner. "The thing about live music is that when you go to a live show, that's a once-in-a-lifetime event," Wertico said. "It's just something that happens."

Elgin council changes format for public comment at meetings
By Tara García MathewsonElgin City Council members now will be able to respond to people speaking during the public comment portion of their meetings thanks to an informal decision made Wednesday. Councilman John Prigge suggested the change to proactively deal with resident concerns and increase transparency of government. He also requested that members wishing to table an item up for discussion be required to say why.

Sports

Paterno name means only one thing By Barry Rozner
Penn State fans — and those who despise the school equally — wanted to know, “What will this mean for Joe Paterno’s legacy?” Joe Paterno will be remembered for one thing and only one thing: He helped a child rapist commit crimes with impunity, Barry Rozner writes. He sat back and let it happen, all in the name of making money for Penn State, winning football games and preserving his good name.

Wheaton College grad coaching against Fire Saturday By Orrin Schwarz
Wheaton native Jake DeClute got his start coaching in his hometown for the legendary Joe Bean, and he's made it all the way to Major League Soccer as a Vancouver Whitecaps assistant. Soccer columnist Orrin Schwarz describes how the local kid made it to big-time soccer.

Cougars clobbered 9-1
Special to the Daily HeraldWith 6 runs in the final three innings, the South Bend Silver Hawks pulled away late and trounced the Kane County Cougars with a 9-1 victory Thursday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.South Bend pulled ahead in the top of the second as Roidany Aguila singled and advanced to second on a balk from Kellen Moen (3-6) before scoring on a two-out knock from Raul Navarro.Chris Ellison tripled to start the third inning and scored on a groundout off the bat of Elgin native Ryan Court to put the Silver Hawks up by a pair.Archie Bradley (8-5) was solid over six innings as he surrendered just a run on 4 hits while punching out six.Bradley’s only run allowed scored in the third as the Cougars (45-45, 11-9) strung together 3 singles with Kenny Swab scoring on a Justin Trapp hit, coupled with an Ellison error in center.South Bend never looked back from there. They picked up 1 more run off Moen in the fourth as Aguila cracked an RBI double to bring home Kerry Jenkins.Kane County’s bullpen was tagged late as the Silver Hawks scored 3 runs off Jonathan Dooley and 1 in the eighth against Andrew Triggs before Aguila ripped a 2-run homer in the ninth off Cody Fassold.

Durant scores 24, US Olympic team wins exhibition Associated PressKevin Durant had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the U.S. Olympic basketball team to a 113-59 victory over the Dominican Republic on Thursday night in an exhibition game. The MVP of the world basketball championship two years ago, Durant came off the bench to shoot 9 of 11 from the field, making 5 of 6 3-pointers in 22 minutes.

Things brewing for Bulls?
By Mike McGrawTwo days into the NBA’s free-agent signing period, this much is clear about the Bulls: Nothing has happened.No Kirk Hinrich signing. No massive offer sheet for Omer Asik. So what’s going on?The inaction is an indication that a number of potential moves are simmering on the grill. Only time will tell if any survive.Hinrich will end up signing with the Bulls eventually. Clearly, they’re waiting to see if other things can happen first.There has been talk about trying to trade Kyle Korver for a draft pick, which would create a $5 million trade exception for the Bulls.Atlanta has been mentioned as a potential destination and just gained a trade exception by sending Joe Johnson’s hefty salary to Brooklyn.It’s difficult to predict the chances of a Korver trade happening, but here’s something to remember about trade exceptions — they give teams a chance to take on salary in a trade.The Bulls couldn’t create a trade exception and use it to sign a free agent such as Courtney Lee or O.J. Mayo. It would have to be a sign-and-trade with something headed back to that player’s current team.In the meantime, rumors swirled Thursday that Houston was preparing to make an all-out pitch to trade for Orlando center Dwight Howard. The Rockets planned to use the amnesty provision on power forward Luis Scola, according to reports, which could give them as much as $30 million in cap space.Using the Brooklyn trade that didn’t go down as a model, the Magic seem to prefer draft picks and salary relief in any Howard trade. The Rockets could take on the expensive deals of Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and send young players to Orlando.So what does all this mean for Houston’s offer sheet to Asik? Well, if the Rockets took on salary to add Howard, they could end up with the massive Year 3 luxury-tax bill meant for the Bulls.And Asik probably assumed he was headed to Houston to be a starter. If the Rockets traded for Howard, would it change Asik’s thinking?Once Hinrich signs, the Bulls can add free agents using only the league’s minimum salary, so they’re chasing a wide variety of players. One Bulls target, former Nets forward Gerald Green, signed a three-year deal with Indiana on Thursday.Bulls announce summer squad:The Bulls released their summer-league roster Thursday. The main guys are rookie guard Marquis Teague and second-year forward Jimmy Butler.An interesting name on the list is power forward Leon Powe, who has played for the Celtics, Cavs and Grizzlies. There was talk the Bulls might sign Powe last season, but with no injuries to their big men, there was no need.The rest of the summer players are longshots to make an NBA roster.Former Illinois point guard Demetri McCamey, who played in Turkey last season, is on the list. Some others are Georgetown center Henry Sims and San Diego State forward Malcolm Thomas.The Bulls will play five games at the Las Vegas summer league, starting Tuesday against Boston.Free-agent roundup:New names continued to hit the open market Thursday. Dallas reportedly was set to amnesty center Brendan Haywood, while Houston planned to do the same with forward Luis Scola.Charlotte signed former Lakers guard Ramon Sessions, then renounced point guard D.J. Augustin, who quickly found a new home in Indiana.And here’s a potential backup center if the Bulls lose Omer Asik. Former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden reportedly changed his mind about sitting out next season to rest his knees and is now hoping to play again.

Paterno's legacy may now be damaged beyond repair Associated PressFor decades Penn State was considered special, immune from the corruption of college athletics by virtue of Joe Paterno's high ideals, long list of victories and even longer list of graduates. For decades Penn State was considered special, immune from the corruption of college athletics by virtue of Joe Paterno's high ideals, long list of victories and even longer list of graduates.

Kite has record-breaking 28 in 9 at US Senior Open
Associated PressTom Kite set a U.S. Senior Open record with a 28 on the front nine at Indianwood and finished a 5-under 65 on Thursday. Corey Pavin's sixth birdie on his 17th hole pulled him into a tie atop the leaderboard, but a penalty pushed him back to the pack after completing his first round.

Matteson shoots 61 to lead at John Deere Classic
Associated PressTroy Matteson scored 10 birdies Thursday en route to a bogey-free round of 10-under 61 for a three-stroke stroke lead after one round of the John Deere Classic. Matteson, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, birdied five holes on each nine of the TPC Deere Run to surpass the 7-under 64 of second place Ricky Barnes.

Change a good thing for Cubs
By Bruce MilesThe Cubs resume the unofficial second half of the season with a weekend series at Wrigley Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cubs fans should take a good luck at this bunch because change is definitely in the air as the trading deadline approaches.

Simple second-half plan for White Sox
By Scot GregorThe first half of the season is in the books, and the White Sox were quite the story. But there are still 77 games on the schedule, so it's not even close to time for celebration. Beat writer Scot Gregor reviews the keys to the second half as the Sox get back to business Friday night in Kansas City.

Jordan: 1992 Dream Team better than 2012 USA squad
Associated PressMichael Jordan said there's no way Kobe Bryant and this year's USA Olympic basketball team could've beaten the 1992 Dream Team. Jordan told The Associated Press Thursday that he laughed — "I absolutely laughed" — when hearing Bryant's comments that the squad training in Las Vegas could take Jordan and company.

Penn State probe accuses Paterno of cover-upAssociated PressJoe Paterno and other top Penn State officials buried child sexual abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky more than a decade ago to avoid bad publicity, according to a scathing report Thursday that exposed a powerful "culture of reverence" for the football program and portrayed the Hall of Fame coach as more deeply involved in the scandal than previously thought. Read former FBI Director Louis Freeh's full report here.

Reaction to Freeh Group’s findings on Penn State Associated PressReactions to Freeh Report released Thursday that found Joe Paterno and other top Penn State officials hushed up child sex abuse allegation against Jerry Sandusky more than a decade ago for fear of bad publicity:

Griffin hurts knee at US camp, out for exhibitionAssociated PressBlake Griffin aggravated a left knee injury during U.S. Olympic team training camp and has returned to Los Angeles for evaluation. The Clippers forward went through a full practice Wednesday before reporting discomfort, USA Basketball said. Griffin will miss the Americans' first exhibition game Thursday night.

Rolland wins tough Tour stage; Wiggins holds lead
Associated PressPierre Rolland of France won the hardest Alpine stage in the Tour de France on Thursday, and Bradley Wiggins dusted defending champion Cadel Evans in the final climb to extend his overall lead. Rolland gave the Europcar team its second straight stage win after the 92-mile ride in the Alps from Albertville ended with a grueling ascent to the ski resort of La Toussuire.

Simeon’s Parker puts DePaul on his Top 10 list
By Beth HarrisSimeon high school basketball star Jabari Parker has named the 10 college programs he is considering with a year to go before he graduates, and DePaul made the cut but Illinois and Northwestern did not. Parker tweeted his 10 schools Wednesday night in no particular order: national champion Kentucky, Stanford, Michigan State, Kansas, Florida, Duke, BYU, Georgetown, DePaul and North Carolina."I want to make my decision in November if that's possible," he told The Associated Press at the Gatorade national prep athletes of the year dinner a night earlier in Los Angeles. "I just need to cut it down so I'll be able to go on visits and make my decision from there."

Business

Nike taking Paterno’s name off child care center Associated PressThe president of Nike Inc. says he has decided to change the name of the Joe Paterno Child Development Center, a child care facility at the company’s headquarters. CEO Mark Parker said Thursday he was deeply saddened by the news coming of the Louis Freeh investigation on the child sex abuse scandal at Penn State. Says Parker: “It is a terrible tragedy that children were unprotected from such abhorrent crimes.”

LA Fitness in Schaumburg to close August 1
By Eric PetersonBarely half a year after changing from a Bally's, the LA Fitness health club at 1020 N. Meacham Road in Schaumburg will close Aug. 1, members and employees learned this week. Village of Schaumburg staff believes increased competition in the area could have been a factor. That competition will increase toward the end of the year when a 24-hour XSport Fitness opens about a block away, in the former Great Indoors building it will share with the PGA Tour Superstore at Golf and Meacham roads.

Huawei may expand in Rolling Meadows, offers more smartphones
By Anna Marie KukecKukec's eBuzz looks at China's Huawei, which could expand its Rolling Meadows office, after launching more consumer smartphones and tablets this year. The devices are in an affordable range: Both will be offered on T-Mobile later this summer, in stores and online at www.t-mobile.com, for $49.99 after $50 mail-in rebate card and a two-year contract.

Yahoo confirms theft of 450,000 users’ passwords
Associated PressSome 450,000 Yahoo users' email addresses and passwords have been leaked because of a security breach, the company confirmed Thursday, adding that just a small fraction of the stolen passwords were valid.

European-style market plan in Vernon Hills depends on vendor interest By Mick Zawislak
An open-air style European market could be opening in Vernon Hills but the timing depends on the availability of vendors. With the farm market season in full swing, there has been limited interest among vendors to fill slots in a French Market. Village officials have bought into the concept, operated by Bensidoun USA Inc., in several other communities but its opening at the Metra parking lot on Route 45 may have to wait until 2013.

Hoffman Estates launches website to attract business
By Jessica CilellaHoffman Estates has launched a new website aimed at attracting more business to the village by allowing customizable online searches for available commercial, industrial and retail properties. More than 100 properties are listed on the website.

Oil prices fall to near $85 a barrel in Asia Associated PressOil fell to near $85 a barrel Thursday as signs of slowing global economic growth offset hopes that central banks will soon implement stimulus measures. Benchmark oil for August delivery was down 71 cents at $85.10 a barrel by late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Crude rose $1.90 to settle at $85.81 on Wednesday in New York.

Merger Dance: Rating American Airlines' options Associated Press
American Airlines is weighing various options for its future, but most analysts say the nation's No. 3 airline only has one viable choice: combine with No. 5 US Airways. American could leave bankruptcy protection as an independent airline. Or join forces with a much smaller airline such as JetBlue or Frontier.

Merchant prince Marvin Traub dead at 87 Associated PressMarvin Traub, a merchant prince and former CEO of Bloomingdale's, who transformed the department store chain into an international powerhouse, died at his home in Manhattan on Wednesday. He was 87. The cause was bladder cancer, according to Mortimer Singer, president of Marvin Traub Associates Inc., a consulting firm that Traub started in 1992. He had been battling the illness since late 2009.

House committee approves 5-year farm bill By Associated Press
The House Agriculture Committee has approved a five-year farm and nutrition bill that gives farmers new ways to protect themselves from bad weather and poor prices and slices about 2 percent off the $80 billion the government spends every year on food stamps.

More U.S. homes facing foreclosure risk in JuneAssociated Press
Banks are increasingly placing homes with unpaid mortgages on a countdown that could deliver a swell of new foreclosed properties onto the market by early next year, potentially weighing further on home values.

Jobless claims in U.S. plunge as fewer auto plants close
Bloomberg NewsFewer Americans than forecast filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance payments last week, reflecting the volatility of applications during the annual auto-plant retooling period. Applications for jobless benefits decreased by 26,000 in the week ended July 7 to 350,000, the fewest since March 2008, Labor Department figures showed today. Economists forecast 372,000 claims, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey.

France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen slashing 8,000 jobs Associated PressStruggling French carmaker PSA Peugeot-Citroen announced Thursday a drastic cost-cutting plan to slash 8,000 jobs in France and close a factory north of Paris, as it faces diving sales in crisis-hit southern Europe. Union members vowed to try to fight back and plan protests later Thursday.

Judge lets startup relay live TV to iPhones in NYC
Associated PressA startup company can continue to send live TV programming to iPhones and other mobile devices in the city despite objections from major broadcasters that say expansion can threaten the free broadcasting of events such as the Super Bowl, a judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan said she understood how the service provided by the company, Aereo, may be unfair to broadcasters. But she said the law left her no choice but to reject a request by News Corp.'s Fox and other broadcasters to pull the plug on the company.

China's economic slowdown painful despite stimulusAssociated Press
China's economic slowdown slammed into Li Fangliang, cutting sales at his Shanghai auto parts store by half."There are just fewer and fewer customers," said Li, who has avoided layoffs among his four employees. "I plan to start a shop online to find new markets."

Yahoo investigating reported mass password breachAssociated Press
Yahoo Inc. says it's investigating reports of a security breach that has purportedly exposed nearly half a million users' email addresses and passwords. The company said in a statement that that it was looking into "claims of a compromise of Yahoo! user IDs" but didn't give any further detail as to the size of the reported breach or how it may have happened.

Groupon’s stock hits lowest level since IPO
Associated Preshicao-based Groupon's stock hit its lowest level Wednesday since the online deals company went public last November amid concerns about traffic to its website and its exposure to Europe's weak economy.Internet trends tracker ComScore Inc. says traffic to Groupon declined 15 percent in June from a year earlier. Groupon.com had about 12.2 million unique visitors last month from 14.5 million in June 2011.

Social site Formspring hacked, passwords disabled
Associated PressSocial networking site Formspring said Tuesday that it was disabling nearly 30 million registered users' passwords after hundreds of thousands of them were leaked to the Web in their encrypted form. Formspring said in a blog post that the breach happened after someone hacked into one of the San Francisco-based company's servers.

Global stocks slide on Fed minutes
Associated PressGlobal stock markets fell Thursday on fears growth may slow in China and after U.S. Federal Reserve minutes indicated the central bank may not move as quickly as hoped to stimulate the country's economy. Britain's FTSE 100 was down 0.6 percent at 5,626.91. France's CAC-40 shed 0.4 percent to 3,145.38, while Germany's DAX fell 0.8 percent to 6,402.15, while Asian markets fell overnight.

Ex-HP investigators to be sentenced in fed court
Associated PressTwo former private investigators are facing sentencing on charges of allegedly using false identities to gain access to the phone records of Hewlett-Packard board members, employees and journalists.Matthew DePante and his father, Joseph DePante, were to appear in U.S. District Court in San Jose Thursday, each to be sentenced to three years of probation and six months of electronic monitoring as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Rolling Meadows bowling alley closure surprises many By Melissa Silverberg
After more than 50 years in the community, AMF Rolling Meadows bowling alley closed last week, catching many in the community by surprise. "It came as a complete surprise to a lot of people," said Rolling Meadows Community Development Director Valerie Dehner said. "We consider it a great loss for our downtown."

Life & Entertainment

A look at ‘Live More, Want Less: 52 Ways to Find Order in Your Life’
By Rosa Colucci Every year, millions of people vow to get organized. And every year, millions fail. Author Mary Carlomagno decided to tackle this predicament in her new book, "Live More, Want Less: 52 Ways to Find Order in Your Life" (Storey Publishing, $12.95). "I wanted a setup that is accessible all year round so you could jump in at any point and get started," she said in a phone interview.

Moldable dough, catchable bubbles all homemade fun By Rebecca AndersonWhen my 2-year-old spills his new bottle of bubbles, I see nickels and dimes evaporating. Or when my 4-year-old uses half the chalk in one afternoon to make a pile of chalk dust to dance in, I try not to see dollar signs in her footprints. Luckily, I've found some pretty easy "recipes" for some of these basic staples of childhood using things we already have around the house.

Steven Tyler exiting as ‘American Idol’ judge
Associated PressSteven Tyler says he's exiting "American Idol" to put rock n' roll first. Tyler said he's leaving the hit show after two seasons to rededicate himself to Aerosmith, the band he fronts. The rock star said he loved every minute on the hit Fox singing contest but added, "it's time to bring rock back."

Chenoweth injured on set of ‘Good Wife’ Associated PressActress Kristin Chenoweth is out of the hospital after being injured on the set of the CBS drama “The Good Wife.” Her publicist, Jill Fritzo, said Thursday that Chenoweth was home recovering after being hit on the head by a piece of set equipment that fell in a gust of wind on Wednesday.

Rolling Stones celebrate 50 years on stage
Associated PressMick Jagger may rethink the words he sang more than 45 years ago — "What a drag it is getting old." Thursday marks 50 years since Jagger played his first gig with a band called the Rolling Stones, and the group is marking its half-century with no letup in its productivity or rock 'n' roll style.

Chicago-shot ‘Drunkboat’ a pretentious mess By Dann GireDann reviews the Chicagoland-made drama "Drunkboat" starring John Malkovich, and Sarah Polley's newest romantic drama "Take This Waltz" starring an amazing Seth Rogen. Dann also supplies a few Reel Life critics' notes, plus reveals how Hollywood screenwriters are so artistically inbred that they continue to recycle key lines of dialogue over and over in their movies, regardless of genres.

Latest kid-friendly 'Ice Age' sequel plays it safe By Dann Gire
The animated 3-D comedy “Ice Age: Continental Drift” proves that the fourth time's fairly charmless. Directed with accelerated verve, this sequel sacrifices nuance and depth for pacing and sitcom payoffs, resulting in a kid-friendly movie without much bait to hook adult viewers. And again the franchise has allowed its innovation to melt, along with its opportunity to deliver important lessons to viewers.

'Exit Interview' takes readers behind cameras of ABC NewsAssociated PressAs president of ABC News from 1997 through 2010, David Westin guided the network through an impressive list of history-making stories: the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, the 2000 election and 9/11. In "Exit Interview," Westin takes readers behind the cameras for his post-mortem on the job. It turns out that what was going on behind the cameras was just as interesting as the stories unfolding in front of it.

Rick Ross, MMG offers solid ‘Self Made 2’ Associated PressThe Maybach Music Group has become one of the most popular record labels in hip-hop with a roster loaded with talented artists. Rick Ross is one of the genre's best and the star of the label, which includes rappers Wale, Meek Mill along with the new additions of rapper Stalley and singer Omarion. Collectively, the core unit continues their hot streak with the label's second compilation, "Self Made Vol. 2."

Book notes: Chris Colfer comes to Anderson’s By Laura StewartGolden Globe-winning actor Chris Colfer of television's "Glee," signs copies of his first children's book, "The Land of Stories," on Thursday, July 19, at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville.

Adaptation breathes new life into ‘Three Sisters’ By Ted Cox
Tracy Letts' punchy, pithy adaptation of "Three Sisters" might rile Chekhov purists, but the new Steppenwolf production takes the work's original points about a family in decay and brings them firmly into the present. Far from being ponderous, Letts' "Three Sisters," as directed by Anna Shapiro, even breathes a little humor into the text.

Music notes: On Parr at Viper AlleyBy Matt AradoIt'll be a busy week for music, with the Pitchfork Music Festival bringing dozens of indie-rock bands to Chicago this weekend and Def Leppard performing its brand of '80s metal in Rosemont on July 19.

Home-brewed beers, wines a fine touch at Village VintnerBy Carolyn Walkup
House-blended wines, on-premise brewed beers and made-from-scratch food. The newly expanded and relocated Village Vintner in Algonquin does it all. Village Vintner's wine experts buy grapes from the world's premier wine regions and then locally do everything from fermentation through bottling. In a separate wing of their building, brewmasters concoct their microbrewed beers. Not to be outdone by the beverage experts, the chefs and kitchen staff create everything in-house from wood-fired oven pizzas to barbecued ribs.

Discuss

Editorial: Water district should be dissolved
The Daily Herald Editorial BoardThe Otter Creek Water Reclamation District is a clear example of a governmental layer that can be folded into the duties of other agencies, a Daily Herald editorial says.

Lombard owes thanks to ComEd A Lombard letter to the editor: On behalf of the village of Lombard, I wish to publicly thank ComEd for its prompt and efficient response to our residents and businesses in restoring their power after our recent storm.

ComEd must resolve power outage issues AWood Dale letter to the editor: When I look at my calendar I see the year 2012 but no one would know it if you based it on the ability of ComEd to provide dependable, and that's the key word, power to its customers.

Editorial saw the senselessness in fray
A Chicago letter to the editor: Rep. Joe Walsh obviously admires and respects our military personnel and recognizes the great heroism of his opponent. It is equally obvious what he was trying to say.

War in Syria needs careful management
An Oak Park letter to the editor: The civil war in Syria should be managed with great diplomacy lest it result in an event that turns out to be a disaster of incalculable proportions for the world.

Heroin use is a community problem
A Hinsdale letter to the editor: We need to remove the stigma from families so honest dialogue at home, at school and with trusted friends can begin.

Watch for untruths in your email inbox
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: The number of lies being circulated about President Obama is very upsetting and mind blowing. To me, this is a very sad time for our country.

Cut the spending on unneeded activities
An Elk Grove Village letter to the editor: Families have had to take serious measures to cut back on their spending to live within their means during this recession — why can't government do the same?

Stand for candy but not for the flag?
A Palatine letter to the editor: I just returned from the Fourth of July parade. Very few people stood up or covered their heart when the flag passed by.

As voters we can control politics
A Des Plaines letter to the editor: There is a saying, "Fight crime, vote them out." Only the voters can do this, maybe the time to do it is now.

Route 53 extension is long overdue
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: Stop playing favoritism to the few and do what is right for the people and has been right for 50-plus years. The people want it, need it and have paid for it over and over again.

Who still knows our Bill of Rights?An Elgin letter to the editor: I believe the main problem is that nobody knows what is in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution or even cares to read it anymore. Do the school systems even require the passing of the Constitution test anymore to graduate from high school?

The good, the bad and the uglyA Sugar Grove letter to the editor: We all know what the government has done for the post office, Social Security, Medicare and everything else they get their hands on. They all are broke or are going broke. Now they want to take over our health care.